
MEMORIAL 


To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Com¬ 
monwealth of Pennsylvania, 

I N FAVOR OF 


CONSOLIDATING THE CITY AND DISTRICTS 

OF PHILADELPHIA. 














MEMORIAL 


i 


i 



< {>! )( ) 



To the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 

The undersigned an Executive Committee appointed by a general 
meeting of citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia, in the 
year 1849, and continued by a like meeting in 1850, for the pur¬ 
pose of maturing a bill for the union of the said city and coiinty 
into one municipal body, to be called the City of Philadelphia, have 
the pleasure of reporting a measure which has received their delibe¬ 
rate consideration and the unanimous approval of the Committee. 

Uninfluenced by either personal or political bias, and prompted 
by a sense of the public welfare only, this Committee, composed 
of men of all parties, earnestly commend this measure to the 
favorable action of the Legislature. In doing so, they beg leave 
to refer to a valuable report made by a Senator from the County 
at yoyr last Session, in favor of a union of the city and districts, 
and aiming at nothing else than a presentation in a concise form of 
some of the evidences of public opinion, we beg leave to state : 

That the disastrous and destructive mobs of 1844, developed the 
necessity of a more united and efficient Police than then existed in 
the city and districts of Philadelphia, and in November of that year a 
Town Meeting of citizens favorable to consolidating the city and 
districts into a single city was held, at which meeting resolutions 
in favor of the measure were passed. A committee being appointed 
to draft a bill, discharged their duty; submitted the bill prepared 
by them to a subsequent Town Meeting, where it was adopted and 
ordered to be presented to the Legislature. 

This bill was presented in due form by one of the members from 
the County at the opening of the Legislative Session of 1845, with 
numerous memorials asking for its passage, but owing to an oppo¬ 
sition started in the Councils of the City, arising from the impres¬ 
sion that the debts of the several districts could not be consolidated, 
nor the trusts held by them administered by the new city, without 
doing some injustice,—the consolidation bill was allowed to slum¬ 
ber on the files of the Legislature, and in lieu thereof the Act enti¬ 
tled “An act for the better regulation of Police in the city of 
Philadelphia and adjacent districts,” was passed. Vide page 380, 
&c. of the Pamphlet Laws of that Session. 

This Act, as will be seen by its provisions, requires that a body 
of Policemen shall be organized by the authorities of the several 
districts, and kept in readiness to be used when required by the 
Sheriff of the County in the suppression of riots. This force was 
organized in due time and kept up, but it was not necessary to call 


2 


it into service until the summer of 1849, and on this first occasion 
for its service, it was found so unsuited and inadequate to the pur¬ 
pose of its creation, that on the second occasion for its use during 
the riot at Sixth and Mary streets, on the night of the 9th of 
October, 1849, the Sheriff did not call it out but resorted at once 
to the military force. 

These circumstances caused the question of consolidation to be 
agitated anew.. The Grand Inquest of the city and county of 
Philadelphia, for the September Term, 1849, in their presentment 
held the following language : 

“ The consolidation of the city and the incorporated districts in 
the county, into one municipal corporation, under one efficient 
head, would be, we believe the most effectual remedy; it would 
give to the city an united strength within itself, an uniform code 
of laws, without various territorial lines of divisions; both laws 
and boundaries are so numerous and conflicting at present as to be 
almost unknown, from the frequency of change, even by the oldest 
citizens. A well organized fire department, efficient and under 
control; an uniform rate of water rents and gas at lower prices, 
and a reduction of taxes of at least twenty per cent., a Police de¬ 
partment and system combining a Arm and energetic execution of 
the laws, and that would reflect credit upon our city, and not as at 
the present time, when the thief or burglar is permitted to be at 
large after robbing in some instances our citizens of their all, and 
Police officers corresponding with thieves and sharing with them, 
through a system of collusion, the fruits of their crimes, as recently 
disclosed in the robbery of the President of the Chester County Bank. 

The election of councils by wards would be a check on unwise 
and wasteful legislation, the minority, the great balance wheel in 
all public bodies, would be represented, it would hold to strict 
accountability the majority, and prevent waste and extravagance 
insidiously creeping in from too long a possession of power by one 
body. To bring about these judicious reforms, the Grand Inquest 
inquiring for the county recommended to the citizens to hold meet¬ 
ings to devise means for the holding of a Convention to discuss the 
subject and bring about the union of the whole into one city. 

We now turn from the contemplation of this mortifying picture as 
above exhibited, and appeal with pleasure to the intelligence of the 
citizens of the city and the incorporated districts of the county, to 
have all included in one municipal district, governed by one head 
and one power. This would bring about matters to raise a citizen’s 
pride. Philadelphia would be found, we believe, upon just com¬ 
parison, to stand high and fair above our ambitious and boasting 
neighbors. We should soon see a change in the increased vigorous 
execution of the laws, a cheap government, and officers fearless in 
the discharge of their duties; this once accomplished, would make 
it a most desirable residence as the loveliest city in the Union.” 

The Criminal Courts of the City and County of Philadelphia, 
are held six times a year, and at every term held since the one 
above referred to, with one exception, the Grand Inquest have in 
their presentment recommended consolidation as the most effectual 
remedy against the many evils which came under their notice. 



3 


These presentments have generally been in response to the 
charge of the Court at the opening of the term. At the June term, 
1850, the charge of the presiding Judge contained the following 
language: ■! 

“I have for the last seven years, attentively observed the increase of 
crime. On the trial of numerous cases I have minutely endeavored 
to examine into the causes and inducements leading to their perpetra¬ 
tion, and have deeply reflected upon what plan could be adopted by 
legal means to stay the progress of tumult and disorder among us. 

In a densely populated place like the city and inerporated districts 
of the county, it is impossible to govern a mass of human beings thus 
congregated together, in different conditions, pursuing different occu¬ 
pations, and some coming from almost all parts of the civilized globe, 
educated differently, each with their own views of independence, with¬ 
out one well regulated municipal government. There must be a po¬ 
lice arrangement and an effective police to check and quell disorder. 
Unfortunately for this community, we have neither a well regulated 
municipal government or effective police force. 

There are seven distinct muncipal governments in the city and in¬ 
corporated districts, each created by separate and different statutes ; 
each having their own peculiar views, laws rules and regulations, for 
the preservation of the peace within their own artificial boundaries. 
The lines which separate these respective municipalities are all ipnagi- 
nary and artificial; for we well know that hundreds of streets are con¬ 
stantly connecting the one with the other. It would seem that the 
mere geographical line of our condition was sufficient to convince any 
one that these communities thus separately organized, yet so closely 
connected, could not longer be well governed. 

It is mainly for the want of one general well regulated municipal 
government, exercising a power which should always be delegated by 
the State, to each local organized body, that crime is not prevented or 
suppressed. ' . • ■. 

The city of Philadelphia and the incorporated districts of the coun¬ 
ty, as to their municipal government, are very much in the condition 
of the colonies after the close of the revolutionary war, and the ac¬ 
knowledgment of their independence by the mother country. Each 
colony or State had a government of its own, and was regulated by its> 
own laws, when the States were separated in many instances only by 
artificial boundaries. 

The want of a centralizing power and rational force Was felt by all, 
and its necessity advocated by every wise statesman and patriot. 
This necessity produced the Constitution of the United States, and .the 
union of the general government, which has been found to be safe and 
effective. It is clothed with sufficient power to quell every insurrection 
or rebellion among ourselves, as well as to defend us from encroach¬ 
ments from abroad. ,[><>;. 

Muncipal regulations, based upon similar principles, are as much' 
wanted to govern the city and incorporated districts, if it is ever expec¬ 
ted that we shall, have an effective police force to suppress crime, bird 1 
keep the lawless and abandoned from destroying the quiet, inoffensive 
and well disposed citizen. . . 

To attempt to give the reasons why the present system of muncipal 


4 


governments are not effective would occupy more of your attention 
than would be proper on this occasion. Many are obvious to the mind 
of every sensible man, and it ought to be sufficient to state that they 
have been tried for a long time and found defective; every year crime 
and outrage is increasing among us. 

,Nor, in my opinion, does this state of things arise because the people 
are worse in this than in other large places, or because there is not as 
much moral influence and teachings used here as in any other city ; 
but it is because there is no efficient suppressing or restrainiug power 
over criminals. Each evil disposed person is permitted to do almost 
as he pleases, and there is no force to restrain or arrest the offender 
and bring him to an account. 

Those who have police authority delegated to them to arrest offend¬ 
ers, generally feel independent of the power which has clothed them 
with authority, and will exert themselves to suppress crime, or arrest 
offenders, as their feelings or interests seem to dictate. 

In more than one half of the numerous trials for riots which have 
been before me in the last seven years, I have observed that the ener¬ 
getic action of a very few discreet police officers might have prevented 
any disturbance.” 

Shortly after the presentment of the Grand Inquest above referred to, the 
following call for a Town meeting was issued. 

TOWN MEETING. 


A Union of the City and Incorporated Districts of the County, in one Munici¬ 
pal Corporation, and the Election of the Councils by Wards. 

The Ciiizens of the City and adjoining Districts, friendly to the same, are 
requested to meet in General Town Meeting, on Friday evening, Nov. 16 1849, 
at seven o’clock, at the County Court House, Sixih and Chestnut streets, to 
devise means for the Union of the whole into one City. To bring about so de¬ 
sirable an object, it is hoped that every citizen, having at heart the success 
and prosperity of our community—the preservation of life, and the protection 
of property, will attend. 


John Swift, 

Josiah Randall, 
Clement C. Biddle, 
A. M. Prevost, 
William Rawle, 
Garrick Mallery, 
John Cadwalader, 
Wm. S., Charnlev, 
G. G. Westcott, 
David Paul Brown, 
Benjamin Miftiin, 
Francis Wharton, 
Samuel H. Perkins, 
Jacob Carrigan, Jr. 
Jno. M. Kenedy, 
James Durnell, 
Jacob Freas, 

Edwin R. Cope, 
John W. Kester, 
David Boyd, 

Geo. W. Tryon, 
Jno. M. Ogden, 

P. P. Morris, 

M. Myers, 

Thomas McGrath, 
Thomas Bradford, 
F. Stoever, 


Jno. Leadbeater, 

Geo. C. Naphes, 

John G. Brenner, 

Wm. G. Cochran, 

Jno. H. Dohnert, 

C. L. Ingram, 

Henry M. Watts. 
William Elder, 

Henry D. Gilpin, 

A. Boyd Hamilton, 
Henry S. Patterson, 
Henry Horn, 

Geo. H. Earle, 

James Laws, 

Chapmau Biddle, 

Henry A. Beck, 
William West, 

L. Johnson, 

Mahlon Gillingham, 
Thomas Finley, 

Geo. W. Biddle, 

Jacob Snider, Jr, 
Theodore Cuyler, 

B. Arthur Mitchell, 

St. George T. Campbell, 
Wm. L. Hirst, 
Benjamin Stiles, 


Eli K. Price, 

John Naglee, 

Andrew Miiler, 

Wm. H. Smith 
William White, 

Jacob Esher, 

James Magee, 

Jno. H. Campbell, 
Geo. W. Farr, 

E. S. Jones 
T. M, Pettit, 

J. B. Sutherland, 
Samuel Barton, 

Daniel Smith, Sr., 
Wm. McGlensey, 

W. C. Parker, 

B. H. Brewiter, 

Peter Ambruster, 
Wm. R. Dickerson, 
Jno. M. Coleman, 
Peter Fritz, 

James Harper, 

E. P. Middleton, 
Thomas Sparks, 

Geo. K. Childs, 

Harry Connelly, 
Passmore Williamson. 


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This meeting was very numerously attended, and the following are its 
proceedings: 


TOWN MEETING. 


A large and enthusiastic meeting of citizens, without distinction of party, 
was held last evening, in the County Court House, to adopt measures to ob¬ 
tain the passage of a law by the Legislature, uniting the present City and 
Districts into one City. The Court House was filled at an early hour, and 
the proceedings throughout were characterized with prudence and good sense. 

Henry M. Watts, Esq., called the meeting to order, and nominated the Hon. 
John Swift as President. 

Vice-Presidents.—Col. Clement C. Biddle, Henry M. Watts, Eli K. Price, 
Henry Horn, Henry D. Gilpin, Col. Andrew M. Prevost, Garrick Mallery, 
Daniel Deal, John Cadwallader, Job R. Tyson, Frederick Stoever, James A. 
Campbell, John G. Ringland, Samuel McMenamy, Andrew Miller, Peter Wil¬ 
liamson, Henry L. Benner, Chas. Hortz, Dr. I. N. Marsellis, JohnM. Kennedy, 
George W. Tryon, John M. Coleman, John Nagle, Wm. S. Charnley, Lawrence 
Shuster, John M. Ogden, Jno. H. Dohnert, Henry Crilly, Hugh Clark, Patrick 
McBride, George W, Burr, John W. Kester, Oliver Evans, Patrick Sharp, 
Edward Gratz, Anthony Felton. 

Secretaries.—Theodore Cuyler, Passmore Williamson, William McGlensey, 
Edwin R. Cope. 

On taking the chair, Col. Swift stated the objects of the meeting in a neat 
and appropriate address. 

John C. Montgomery, Esq., then arose and offered the following preamble 
and resolutions, which he prefaced by appropriate remarks. The resolutions 
were seconded by John M. Read, Esq., in an able and interesting speech, and 
were unanimously adopted. 

Whereas, our community is now and has for years past been suffering under 
grievances that exist solely because of unwise municipal arrangements; in¬ 
stead of having but one local government for municipal purposes we have 
eight or nine : and while we are but one people and form but one community 
in all the every day operations of life, we are divided by ideal lines into sepa¬ 
rate communities and distinct organizations. 

And whereas, this arrangement is fraught with evil, these numerous subdi¬ 
visions of government rendering concerted and concentrated action upon any 
subject impossible, and makes each one too weak to perform its necessary 
duties: while, if we had but a single government, embracing the whole of 
the dense population within our city and districts, its magnitude would give 
it character, and its united and singleness of operation would give the neces¬ 
sary vigor and energy to its action. 

Therefore, Resolved, That a law ought to be passed at the next session of 
the Legislature, to go into operation on the fourth of July, in the year 1850, 
which will unite and consolidate the whole population embraced within the 
city and adjacent districts into one city—under one government, and providing 
for the election of of the Councils or Legislature of such city from the several 
wards thereof. 

Resolved, That the consummation of this measure will be the most effectual 
remedy against riot and disorder, for it will give to our city a uniform code of 
laws which can be vigorously administered; an efficient police force with a 
competent head; a w r ell organized and controlled fire department, which to¬ 
gether cannot fail to establish and maintain that peace and security so essen¬ 
tial to the prosperity of all densely populated communities. 

Resolved, That the President of this Meeting shall appoint a Committee of 
twenty-four citizens, who with himself shall be a General Executive Com¬ 
mittee, who shall have power to fill all vacancies that may occur in their 
number, and whose duty it shall be to adopt and pursue all necessary means 
and measures to carry into effect the objects of this meeting. 

Executive Committee .—Josiah Randall, John Cadwallader, Eli K. Price, 
Andrew Miller, William L. Hirst, Wiiliam H. Smith, Gideon G. Westcott, £. 
A. Perlniman, Charles L. Ingram, Theodore Cuyler;, John M. Kennedy, Jno. 
H. Dohnert, Henry D. Gilpin, John M. Read, Garrick Mallery, John M. Cole- 
than, Henry M. Watts, James A. Campbell, Lawrence Shuster, John M. 
Ogden, Henry L. Benner, William White, Peter Williamson, Thos. S. Smith. 


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In pursuance of the instructions of the meeting, the above named Executive 
Committee has been appointed, and will meet on Monday evening next, the 
19th inst., at Stigman’s, in George street, at seven o’clock. 

JOHN SWIFT, President. 

This Executive Committee in pursuance of the duty charged 
upon them by one of the above resolutions, prepared a bill, which 
will be found on the House file of last Session, No. 263, entitled 
“ An Act to incorporate the city of Philadelphia with enlarged 
boundaries.” This bill was read in both Houses in the beginning 
of February, and was referred in each case to a special committee, 
consisting of the members from the city and county of Philadelphia, 
and was reported back in both Houses with a “ negative recom¬ 
mendation,” but without any comment upon the merits of the bill 
or the propriety of the measure proposed by it. 

The report of this bill to the Senate was made on Friday, March 
23d, and at the same time Mr. Savery, Senator from the County, 
made a minority report in favor of the measure, setting forth in 
strong and eloquent language the advantages that would arise from 
the passage of the bill into a law, which minority report was 
ordered to be printed. 

At a subsequent period of the Session, Dr. Burden, a member 
from the City, offered in the lower House a bill authorizing a vote 
of the people of the City and County to be taken upon the question 
of consolidation, but he was prevented from getting a vote upon it 
by a call for the orders of the day, and thus ended the matter at 
the Legislative Session of 1850. 

But, as at the session of 1845, the public sentiment in favor of 
consolidation was responded to by the passage of the Police law of 
that Session, heretofore referred to, so in 1850, the general senti¬ 
ment of the city and county of Philadelphia, in favor of the con¬ 
servative measure of consolidation, was answered by another Police 
law. This law will be found on page 666 of the Pamphlet Laws 
of last Session, entitled “An Act regulating the municipal and 
other elections in the city of Philadelphia, &c., with a supplement 
thereto, approved May 15th, 1850, which is not yet published. 

Upon a comparison of this law with the one passed in 1845, they 
will be found to be nearly similar in their provisions, the principal 
difference being that the law of 1845, places the Police force at the 
disposal of the Sheriff of the County, while that of 1850, creates a 
“Marshal of Police,” with a salary of two thousand dollars per 
annum; ten lieutenants, with salaries of seven hundred and thirty 
dollars per annum each; and a Board of Police, who do not appear 
to have any definite duties. 

This so-called consolidated Police, in its incipient organization, 
caused “a speck of war” between one Board of Commissioners and 
the Police Marshal, and a miniature riot in another that required 
the intervention of the Police to suppress it. And in its action 
since its organization, it has shown that it is not the united and 
energetic police of a single city, but with all its legal unity it is 
still the police force of numerous separate municipalities. 

The Legislature having adjourned, the question of Consolidation 
became a subject for discussion in the political circles, and at the 


7 


County Convention of the Democratic party for nominating an 
Assembly ticket, the following proceedings took place. They are 
copied from the Public Ledger of August 27, 1850. » 

“ Consolidation—Democratic Convention .—On the Convention 
being called to order yesterday morning, the Vice-President moved 
resolutions pledging the candidates then to be selected, to the prin¬ 
ciples of consolidation. The President decided the motion out of 
order. An appeal was taken, and the motion was sustained by a 
large majority. It was then moved to postpone considering the 
motion until after the selection of candidates, and on a vote being 
taken, the postponement carried by a majority of 8. After select¬ 
ing a candidate for Senate, the question on consolidation was again 
called up and amended to have a direct vote of the people, and so 
amended, was unanimously adopted. 

The following was the resolution submitted: 

Resolved, That the Senator and Representatives to be chosen, 
will be expected, and are hereby instructed to urge, vote for, and 
sustain at Harrisburg, a consolidation of the City and County of 
Philadelphia into a single Corporation. 

The following resolution was offered as a substitute and adopted, 
viz: 

Resolved, That the Candidates nominated by this Convention, 
for the Legislature, be instructed to vote for a proposition submit¬ 
ting the question of consolidating the City and County into one 
City to the people, an election for that purpose to be held in the 
several Wards and Townships in the City and County.” 

By the above proceedings it will be seen that in a party Con¬ 
vention, consisting of more than two hundred delegates selected to 
nominate a ticket, there was wanting but five of a majority in favor 
of instructing the candidates to vote directly for consolidation, and 
the same body was unanimous in instructing them to vote to refer 
the question to the people. 

In the Whig Convention which nominated the County Assembly 
Ticket of that party, the following preamble and resolutions were 
unanimously adopted It is copied from the Daily News of Sep¬ 
tember 3rd, 1850. 

Resolved, That the candidates for Senate and Assembly to be 
nominated by this Convention, are expected, and are hereby in¬ 
structed, to urge and vote for, and use their best exertions to pro¬ 
mote, the enactment of a law for the consolidation of the city and 
districts; such act to take effect upon being approved by a majority 
of the citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia, at an election 
to be held immediately upon the passage of said act. 

< •' i ' 

And in the Democratic Nominating Convention of the City of 
Philadelphia, held on Wednesday evening, September 4th, 1850, 
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That we are in favor of the passage of a law, as early 
as practicable, for the consolidation of the City and County of 
Philadelphia, to be called “ The City of Philadelphia,” believing, 
as we do, that the security, welfare, reputation and peace of the 
whole community require this measure to be promptly effected. 


8 


Resolved, That the candidates nominated by this Democratic 
General Ward Committee for Senate and Assembly be, and they 
are hereby instructed, in the event of their election, to vote for the 
passage of an act for the immediate consolidation of this City and 
County into a municipal corporation. 

WM. BADGER, President. 

Alfred T. Jones, John C. McCall, Secretaries. 

On the 12th of September, 1850, the Committee in accordance 
with the suggestion of a great number of citizens issued a call for a 
Town Meeting, which was held in tiie County Court-House on 
Monday evening, September 16th. 

The following summary of its proceedings is copied from the 
Evening Bulletin of the next day. 


CONSOLIDATION. 

GREAT TOWN MEETING. 

The District Court Room was crowded excessively last evening, in answer 
to a call for a demonstration in favor of a consolidation of the city and districts 
of Philadelphia, into one municipal organization. All parties and all classes 
were there united, and if the room had been three times as large it would 
scarcely have held all who endeavored to gain admittance. 

At 8 o’colck, John M. Read, Esq., called the meeting to order, and upon his 
motion the Hon. Wm. M. Meredith, late Secretary of the Treasury, was called 
to the Chair. 

The following Vice-Presidents and Secretaries were also nominated and 
unanimously elected: 

Viee-Presidents.—Col. John Swift, Hon. Edward King, Samuel V. Merrick, 
Wm. Rawle, Vincent L. Bradford, Henry C. Corbit, David S. Brown, Charles 
Robb, George W. Carpenter, Frederick Fraley,Thos. C. Rockhill, William M. 
Swain, Charles Macalester, Wm. C. Patterson, Wm. R. Thompson, Alexander 
Osborne, Jesper Harding, Thomas P. Hoopes, Job R. Tyson, Thomas Sparks, 
St. Geo. T. Campbell, John Naglee, Jacob Esher, John T. Smith, William 
H. Smith, Wm. M. Kennedy, John Brock, Thos. H. Powers, William Elder, 
Henry Crilley, Andrew Manderson, Sami. H. Gillingham, Isaac Kline, M. D., 
Hugh Clark, Adam Richards, Richard R. Spain, J. W. Kester, Jonn O’Brien, 
Edwin R. Cope, Alex. Cummings, Joseph Wood, Penn Dist., Michael Pray, 
Peleg B. Savery, Benjamin Martin, Lemuel Paynter, Peter Williamson, Peter 
Glasgow, Francis Dimond, Robert E. Shultz, John K. Loughlin, John G. Bren¬ 
ner, John G. Ninesteel, Lawrence Shuster, John H. Campbell, William Deal. 

Secretaries.—George W. Biddle, Roeert Lindsay, James S. Wright, George 
L. Dougherty, John Oakford, Charles B. Peale. 

After a brief speech from the President of the Meeting upon its objects, &c., 
Judge Pettit addressed the meeting in some spirited remarks upon the evils of 
our present municipal system, and the advantage of the proposed reform. He 
then read the following preamble and resolutions: 

The population and wealth concentrated in the metropolis of Pennsylvania, 
within the ordinary bounds of a single township, exceed those of many States 
of the Union; and her inhabitants constituting, for moral, social and commer¬ 
cial purposes, one great community, should exercise a control of their local 
affairs and interests co-extensive with their undivided responsibility for what 
ever may involve their self-respect, or concern their reputation with the rest 
of the world. 

The inhabitants of this Metropolis, in their domestic lives, in their tempo¬ 
rary or permanent investments of capital, and in their operations in trade, 
should not be alienated or separated from one another by such lines as sever 
distinct Municipalities. Citizens residing in any street or precinct, should 



9 


have every inducement freely to select their places of business, or the sites of 
their important interests in any other precinct or street of the same city, with 
no regard to intersecting lines or limits. 

Philadelphia, though, in fact, thus a single community, is by law artificially 
divided into many jurisdictions, unequal in dimensions, population and re¬ 
sources, whose boundaries are scarcely Known, except to officers of justice, 
who recognise the lines as the limits of their ineffective functions; or to out¬ 
laws, who deride the imbecile authority which halts at an unseen border; or 
to strangers or citizens, who seek in vain protection ftom ordinances which 
differ on opposite sides of a gutter; or to disfranchised men of business, who 
find themselves without a vote in the selection of the magistrates who control 
their most important interests, in a jurisdiction other than that in which they 
happen to reside. 

The experience of past, and the endurance of present ills, make the people 
of Philadelphia anxiously solicitous for self-government, on a footing com¬ 
mensurate with the real magnitude and importance of their local interests, 
and adapted to their really united character. If it be hazardous to consoli¬ 
date remote or separate communities, it is not less unnatural and arbitrary to 
divide a single and entire community of small dimensions into several jurisdic¬ 
tions, separated by imaginary lines. Great evils have ensued from the system, 
and no advantage can result from its continuance. The inhabitants of Phila¬ 
delphia have been hitherto doomed to live under a fractional complication of 
governments, to which the commonwealth has from time to time delegated 
some of the highest and most important franchises of local sovereignty. These 
compose nine municipalities, with various names, by whom affairs of public 
interest are generally regulated; and numerous other corporate bodies, inde¬ 
pendent of those municipalities, and independent of one another, by whom poor 
laws, health laws, police regulations, and duties belonging to various other 
branches of eminent domain, are irresponsibly administered. 

These municipalities and boards, with their distinct deliberative or legisla- 
lative assemblies, their arrays of patronage and expenditures, their multiplied 
chief and inferior executive officers, Treasurers, Solicitors, Clerks, Collectors, 
Surveyors, Regulators, Superintendents, and other ministerial officers, subor¬ 
dinates and supernumeraries, day and night watch, and useless police, the 
Board of County Commissioners, with its extensive and powerful, and fre¬ 
quently complex and interfering jurisdiction, and the nondescript supervisory 
fiscal censorship of the County Board, compose the actual govornment of 
400,000 people. The municipalities and boards, whose organization is thus 
intricate and thus costly, have failed to answer the purpose of local govern¬ 
ment for which their franchises were delegated to them by the State. The 
system—if the detached laws which have been occasionaliy passed can be said 
to form a system—has been productive of some of the worst evils of govern¬ 
ment, and of few, if any, of its benefits. 

The people of Philadelphia, an orderly people, fully capable of self-govern¬ 
ment and of seif-protection, do not govern themselves, and therefore cannot 
protect themselves. They have been, and still are, unable to prevent or 
punish riot, arson and assassination; crimes which have been openly perpe¬ 
trated in successful defiance of the constituted authorities. There is at pre¬ 
sent no security of life or property to Philadelphians themselves, no hospitable 
protection to the sojourner within their limits. Causes originally trifling, 
which, in the government of a single large community would be passed over 
or disregarded as insignificant, have likewise resulted in serious public evils. 
Rivalries and jealousies of local rulers or official subordinates, have prevented 
concerted action in times of peril or difficulty, and have on other occasions 
produced corporate contentions, and sometimes litigations; while all who 
have not been involved officially in the dispute, have individually had no other 
desire than to co-operate for the general welfare. It has consequently been 
found necessary in the late law to organize an additional police force, to make 
it in a great measure independent of any control of the present local govern¬ 
ments. This necessity, the natural result of so unhappy a state of things, 
would not continue under a single local government. At present it adds to 
the complication of what was previously too complicated. The organization of a 
powerful and expensive police, under no subordination to a government, may re¬ 
sult in evils quite as great as those which it was intended to prevent or repre6B. 

2 


10 


The citizens of Philadelphia, including in this designation the inhabitants of 
the nine municipalities and suburban precincts here represented, have for a 
long time very generally desired to change a frame of government so objec¬ 
tionable; and the frequent and continued manifestations of public opinion on a 
subject of such general interest and importance, leave it no longer doubtful 
that a vast majority of them entertain the opinions expressed in this preamble, 
and in the resolutions which follow. Much labor has been bestowed upon 
preparing and maturing a plan of their union in a single city, such a city as 
Philadelphia ought to constitute; with a single, cheap and effective govern¬ 
ment ; a single system of taxation, and a police neither independent of control 
nor under divided subordination, whose jurisdiction shall include all the urban 
and suburban districts, with sufficient adjacent rural precincts. It is believed 
that such a change has long been regarded as one depending upon the time 
when it should take place, rather than upon any extensive difference of opinion 
as to its ultimate necessity, and it is believed, without doubt, that the com¬ 
munity is now fully ready for its adoption : Therefore, 

Resolved, That an act incorporating Philadelphia with enlarged boundaries, 
which shall include the nine municipalties and suburban precincts here repre¬ 
sented, with adjacent parts, or the whole of the residue of Philadelphia county, 
in a single city, with a suitable frame of government on the plan aforesaid, 
ought to be passed at an early period of the next session of the Legislature. 

Resolved, That members of the Legislature from the City and County of 
Philadelphia, be requested to use their best exertions to promote the passage 
of such an act; and that a copy of these proceedings be sent to each member 
of the Senate and House of Representatives from the City and County of Phila¬ 
delphia, as soon as the result of the approaching general election shall have 
been made known. 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee appointed at a general Town 
Meeting, held at the County Court-House, on the 16th of November, 1849, be, 
and the same is hereby continued, with power to add to their number, and 
with instructions to adopt and pursue all necessnry measures to carry out the 
views of this meeting. 

Henry M. Watts, Esq., then took the stand and made an effective speech, 
in which he considered and dwelt upon the legal difficulties under which our 
officers at present labor in their efforts to suppress public disorders. Even 
the new Marshal of Police might be stopped by the Sheriff, when about to sup¬ 
press a riot, if the Sheriff were so disposed. In a financial point of view, he 
said the present system was one of wanton extravagance. YVe expend money 
for the collection of taxes, when we might get the taxes collected without a 
tithe of the expense. We maintain nine separate and expensive governments, 
when we have only need of one. He was in favor of one united, powerful 
central government, with an efficient police, which alone can rescue our city 
from its present disgrace. 

John M. Read, Esq., followed. He said that the incidents of every day 
convince us of the necessity of a union for the purpose of securing an effective 
police for the suppression of riots, outbreaks, murders and violence in our 
streets. We are now where London was 300 years ago. We have a larger 
population than she had then, and yet in this enlightened day we have no 
better police government. Under our present system we have not even got 
all our streets lighted with gas. In London that event did much towards the 
suppression of crime. If we had a united government, all our city would be 
lighted with gas, and all patrolled by police. He also advocated a re-organiza¬ 
tion of the fire department, with a new system, under an elective head. 

Thomas Watson, Esq., made a short speech next, in which he adverted to 
the prevalence of crime, and asked if the dens of criminals were not known to 
the police. They are; and yet the rioters continue their outrages unmolested, 
and have made Philadelphia a by-word and a reproach. 

Judge Parsons, in a speech of some length, gave a number of details of the 
operation of our police system in the riots of late years, as they were shown 
in investigations in Court before him. They exhibited in a striking light the 
alarming evils to which society is here exposed from the want of an efficient 
system of police. He alluded to the London police, and said that in 1829 
London was as badly off as we are now; but then Chadwick commenced his 
statistics, and they are as applicable to Philadelphia now, as they then were 


11 


/ 


m London. In answer to the query, how will consolidation remedy the evils 
he portrayed, he said that it would produce a powerful central organization. 
It would exhibit a new force. It would make the heads of police more promi¬ 
nent, and therefore more responsible. He said that it would not take as many 
men to protect the city well, as there are now policemen in the city and districts. 

At the close of the Judge’s remarks the question was taken on the resolu¬ 
tions, and they were adopted without dissent. The meeting theu adjourned. 

The Commitee in the discharge of a portion of the duties enjoined 
upon them by the last resolution, prepared and sent to each of the 
candidates for Senate and Assembly upon all the tickets in the 
City and County the following circular: 

« To- Sir :— 

In behalf of the Executive Committee of the Town Meeting, held in favor 
of a Union of the City and Districts into one Corporation ; we have been 
appointed to ascertain the views of the candidates nominated for the Legisla¬ 
ture, on that subject, and we therefore respectfully request of you an early 
and explicit answer to the following question, addressed to the first named of 
the undersigned, viz: Will you, if elected to the Legislature, advocate and 
vote for a law uniting and consolidating the City and Districts or the City and 
County of Philadelphia into one Municipal Corporation ? 

JOHN H. DOHNERT, 284 Green Street. 
JOHN M. OGDEN, 

HENRY M. WATTS, 

HENRY L. BENNER, 

PETER WILLIAMSON, 

GEORGE W.TRYON, 

JACOB F. HOECKLY, 

ANDREW MILLER, 

ELI K. PRICE.” 

Philadelphia, Sept. 18th, 1850. 

To this circular the following answers were received ; the first is 
from the Democratic candidates in the County, all of whom were 
elected. 

Philadelphia, Sept. 23,1850. 

Gentlemen:—The undersigned, candidates for the legislature on the Demo¬ 
cratic ticket in the county of Philadelphia, have received a circularletter from 
you inquiring our views, which are cheerfully given, relative to consolidation. 

The convention that placed us before the people adopted the following reso¬ 
lution upon the subject, to wit: 

“ That the candidates nominated by this convention for the legislature, be 
directed to vote for a proposition, submitting the question of consolidating the 
city and districts into one city, to the people, an election for that purpose to 
be held in the several wards and townships in the city and county.” 

To this resolution we, of course, are bound to adhere; but we will add that, 
feeling assured that a majority of the citizens of the county of Philadelphia con¬ 
cur with us in the opinion that the best interests of the entire community will 
be promoted by a unity of municipal authority, we will, if elected, prepare, 
advocate and vote for an act providing for consolidation. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 

THOMAS H. FORSYTH, 

E. A. PENNIMAN, 

R. SIMPSON, 

WASHINGTON J. JACKSON, 
SMITH SKINNER, 

WILLIAM H. SOUDER, 

LEWIS C. CASSIDY, 

ANDREW HAGUE, 

SOLOMON DEMERES, 
WILLIAM GOODWIN, 

HENRY HUPLET, 

ABRAHAM OLWINE. 



12 


And the following is from the Whig candidates in the City, who 
were also elected: 

Gentlemen :—In reply to the question severally addressed to us, whether, if 
elected to the legislature, we will “ advocate and vote for a law uniting and 
consolidating the city and districts, or the city and county of Philadelphia into 
one municipal corporation V 3 we beg leave to say, collectively, that we regard 
the subject of consolidation as now agitated, as one of great importance, de¬ 
manding careful attention and mature deliberation. In a matter involving so 
many interests, of a legal and financial as well as of a social and moral charac¬ 
ter, the people are unquestionably entitled to be heard before final legislation 
is had. Hence if elected, we will cheerfully vote for a proposition by which 
the subject may be fairly brought before our constituents at an early day, and 
by which a full, fair and calm expression of public opinion may be obtained. 
If this expression of opinion shall be in favor of consolidation, the measure will 
meet with our cordial and entire support. 

Very respectfully yours, 

BENJAMIN MATHIAS, 
CHARLES O’NEILL, 

GEO. H. HART, 

J. L. GOSSLER, 

EDW. ARMSTRONG. 

Messrs. John H. Dohneit, John M. Ogden, Henry M. Watts, 

and others, Committee. 

And the following is from the Democratic candidates of the City: 

City of Philadelphia, Sept. 18, 1850. 

Gentlemen :—We have received your communication dated 16th September, 
and in reply, have to state, that we are in favor of consolidating the city and 
districts. We are of the opinion that the people are in favor of the measure; 
and that therefore, a special election upon the subject is unnecessary. More¬ 
over, it will be expensive, and will delay the great public object which our 
fellow-citizenB have in view. We therefore pledge ourselves, that, if elected 
to the legislature, we will use all our efforts to procure the passage of a law 
for the immediate consolidation of the city and county of Philadelphia. 

RICHARD R. YOUNG, 

JAS. W. COFFROTH, 

WILLIAM DUANE, 

JOHN G. THOMPSON, 

JAMES P. BARR. 

To John H. Dohnert, John M. Ogden, Henry M. Watts, 

and others, Committee. 

And the following twelve letters are from the candidates upon 
the Whig ticket in the county: 

Philadelphia, Sept. 27, 1850. 

Gentlemen :—With much pleasure I answer your query with respect to con¬ 
solidation. The two conventions which did me the honor to place me in nom¬ 
ination, unanimously decided in favor of that question ; and allow me to say, 
that I am the decided friend of consolidation, and will advocate and vote for 
the measure, if elected. Yours truly, 

W. D. BAKER. 

Gentlemen:—I had the honor to receive a communication from you, asking 
if 1 am in favor of consolidating the city and districts into one municipal cor¬ 
poration, &c. In answer 1 have to say, that if I am elected to the legislature, 

I shall do all I can to bring about such a union, believing as I do, that much of 
the future peace, prosperity, and safety to life and property depends upon it. 

I have the honor to be respectfully yours, 

September 23d, 1850. 


ALEXANDER PURYES. 


Philadelphia, Sept. 22, 1850. 

John H. Dohnert, Esq. 

Dear Sir: Having received yours of the 10th inst. asking on behalf of the 
executive committee appointed by the town meeting, held in favor of a union 
of the city and districts into one corporation, whether I would, if elected to the 
legislature, advocate and vote for a bill in favor of the same. To your inquiry 
I would beg leave to reply, that I am decidedly in favor of that measure; and 
if elected, will give my feeble efforts to bring about the passage of such a bill. 

I remain your most obedient servant, 

JONATHAN CLAYTON, 
Second and Greenwich Streets, Southwark. 

Sun Office, Sept. 25, 1850. 

John H. Dohnert, Esq., Chairman. 

Sir : In reply to your interrogatory, “ Will you, if elected to the legislature, 
advocate and vote for a law uniting and consolidating the city and districts of 
the city and county of Philadelphia into one municipal corporation,’ 5 I answer, 
that I will give any such proposition my earnest, cordial and unceasing support. 

Yours with respect, JOSHUA S. FLETCHER. 

Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1850. 

John H. Dohnert, Esq. 

Dear Sir: In answer to yours of the 16th inst. I reply that I am in favor of 
uniting and consolidating the city and districts; and shall cheerfully unite in 
any measure to bring about so desirable a result. Yours truly, 

P. A. KEYSER. 

Philadelphia, Sept. 20, 1850. 

Gentlemen:—Your communication of the 16th inst. is before me. In reply 
to your inquiry, I have to say that, in the event of my election to the legisla¬ 
ture, 1 will advocate and vote for “a law uniting the city and districts, or the 
city and county of Philadelphia, into one municipal corporation,” subject to 
the decision of voters residing within the limits of the proposed corporation. 

I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

SAML. B. H. VANCE. 

To Messrs. John H. Dohnert, John M. Ogden, and others, Committee. 

MESSRS. JOHN H. DOHNERT AND OTHERS. 

Gextlemex, —I received your note, requesting an explicit answer to the 
following question : Will you, if elected to the Legislature, advocate and 
vote for a law uniting and consolidating the City and Districts or the City 
and County of Philadelphia into one Municipal Corporation ; in answer, I 
say yes. I am a consolidation man, and will advocate and vote for any Bill 
which would produce so desirable a result. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

JOHN WELSH. 

Spring Garden, Sept. 25th, 1850. 

Kensington, September 25, 1850. 

Gextlemkx, —In reply to your communication requesting my views as to 
a Union of the city and districts, I will briefly reply by saying that I have 
been favourable to such a measure for the last two years ; and will, if elected, 
use my best endeavours to have a law immediately passed to accomplish 
that object. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

GEORGE BELLIS. 

To Messrs. John H. Dohnert, and others of the committee. 

Holmesburg, September 28, 1850. 

Gextlemeit, — I am in favour of consolidation. 

In haste, Yours, &c., 

JAMES CLARK. 


Messrs. John.H. Dohnert, and others. 


14 


Richmond, September 25th, 1850. 

Srn,—A communication from Ex-Commtttee of Town Meeting in favour of 
a Union of the City and Districts into one corporation, has been handed me, 
wherein I am requested to state if I will, if elected to the Legislature, advo¬ 
cate and vote for a law uniting and consolidating the city and districts, &c. 

The Whig County Convention, from which body I have the honour of 
nomination for the Assembly of the Legislature of the State, adopted a reso¬ 
lution, instructing the nominees of said Convention, to urge, vote for, and 
use their best efforts to promote the passage of an act for the consolidation 
of the City and Districts into one Corporation ; such act to go into operation 
forthwith, upon the approval of the same by a majority of the voters of the 
city and districts of Philadelphia county, such approval to be ascertained at 
an election to be held for that purpose under authority of the Legislature. 

Referring you to this resolution as my rule of guidance on this subject. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

SAMUEL T. HAY. 

To John H. Dohnert, Esq., Chairman executive committee, &c. 

TO JOHN H. DOHNERT AND OTHERS. 

Gentlemen, —Your circular, in behalf of the Executive Committee in 
favour of a Union of the City and Districts into one Corporation, was re¬ 
ceived, and to the question proposed, reply that, if elected to the Legis¬ 
lature, I will advocate and vote for a law uniting the City and Districts, or, 
if thought now advisable, the City and County of Philadelphia into one 
Municipal Corporation. 

Your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM GREEN. 

Germantown, Sept. 23, 1850. 


Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1850. 

Gentlemen, —I have received your favour of the 24th inst., proposing to 
me the query whether, if elected to the Legislature, I will advocate and vote 
for a law uniting and consolidating the City and Districts, or the City and 
County of Philadelphia, into one Municipal Corporation. 

I beg leave to reply that I am in favour of the measure; and, if elected, 
will vote for a bill to carry it into effect. 

WILLIAM RHEINER. 

The following resolutions of the Keystone Club, of the First 
Congressional District, adopted September 18, 1850, are among a 
great number, of a similar character, passed at the meetings of both 
parties during the canvass preceding the late election : 

A Mass Meeting of the Keystone Club, of the First Congressional District, 
was held on Wednesday evening, 18th instant, at the Southwark Hall. The 
meeting was organized at eight o’clock, by the President taking the Chair. 
After some business of minor importance, George L. Dougherty, Esq. offered 
the following resolutions, which were warmly seconded by Colonel Thomas B. 
Florence, and were unanimously adopted. The meeting was addressed by 
Col. Florence, R. M. C. Ray, Esq., L. S. Burkart, Esq., and William E. 
Lehman, Esq. 

Whereas, The question of uniting and consolidating the various municipal 
corporations within the county of Philadelphia under one government, is now 
agitated in our community, and although it is not strictly a party political ques¬ 
tion, but being one which is in a greater or less degree interesting to every citizen 
of Philadelphia county, we deem it our duty to express frankly and decidedly 
our sentiments thereon. 

Therefore Resolved, That in the midst of the disorder and crime that has 
been prevalent in our community for some time past, there is no assurance of the 
safety of persons, or the security of property, and although our taxation is bur¬ 
densome, we do not derive those advantages which municipal government i 9 
established to secure. • 


i 


15 


Resolved, That the union of the various municipal corporations of the city and 
county of Philadelphia under one government, whereby there would be one 
powerful, energetic, and effective police force, under the command of one man 
of character and reputation, who would be held responsible for the peace and 
order of the city; and one taxing power, with ample facilities for the payment of 
taxes directly into a single treasury, there would be established a cheap, efficient, 
and protecting government, that could not fail to make us a happy, thriving, and 
prosperous people, and place Philadelphia again in its once enviable position 
among the meiropolitan cities of the United States. 

Resolved, That we earnestly recommend our candidates for the Legislature, 
if elected, to advocate and vote for such a consolidation. 

MILES SWEENY, President. 

Wm. McMullitO 

> Secretaries. 

Wm. Coughlin, ) 

Such an unanimity of public sentiment, induced by the discussion 
of the subject in general meetings of the people; by the Grand 
Inquests of the County $ by our Judges, and by our political con¬ 
ventions, could result in nothing less than the calm and deliberate 
purpose expressed by each candidate for election to the Senate and 
House of Representatives, in favor of the passage of a law providing 
for the union of the city and districts, or the city and county, into 
one city. 

With such unqualified public assurances from each of the candi¬ 
dates, the Executive Committee and the constituency of these 
gentleman were highly gratified, and the Committee ordered the 
following report to be published. 

The Executive Committee of the friends of Consolidation, ap¬ 
pointed and continued by the Town Meetings of 16th November, 
1849, and 16th September, 1850, in submitting to their fellow- 
citizens the foregoing communications from the candidates for the 
Legislature, deem it their duty to observe that their Committee is 
composed of men of all political parties, who have had no disposition 
to interfere with local political arrangements. 

Though the Committee regret that the reply of the candidates of 
the Whig party in the city is less explicit than it should have been, 
yet the views declared generally by the candidates of all parties in 
both city and county, are such as give the assurance that this great 
measure will receive favorable consideration by the next Legisla¬ 
ture, and place its consummation at an early period beyond all 
reasonable doubt. 

The Committee congratulate their fellow-citizens upon the una¬ 
nimity of public sentiment in favor of this important measure. Less 
than a year has elapsed since the appointment of the Committee. 
At the last Session of the Legislature Mr. Savery, Senator from the 
County, was the only one of the eighteen members of both Houses 
from the city and county, that openly advocated consolidation, and 
now the Committee are able to present to the public the written 
assurances of the great majority of the thirty-four candidates for the 
Legislature in the city and county, that if elected, they will advo¬ 
cate and vote for the measure. 

That the purpose of the letter of the Committee to the candi¬ 
dates of the several parties may not be misunderstood, they add* 
that whatever answers had been received, no intention was enter- 


1G 


tainefl of recommending a separate ticket to be voted buy the friends 
of consolidation at the approaching election. 

By order of the Committee, 

ANDREW MILLER, Secretary. 

September 28th, 1850. 

Having a dense population of near 420,000 people residing 
upon an area of about eighty thousand acres of ground—bound to¬ 
gether by the same relations, interests and pursuits, and yet sepa¬ 
rated by twenty-nine distinct local governments, including boroughs 
and townships, it is not surprising there should be a strong and long 
continued expression of public opinion against this state of things: 
for what man of sense would strike out as an original idea such a 
plan of government for one people. Its complexity, irresponsibility, 
wastefulness and consequent oppression will appear manifest to any 
one who contemplates it. The assessed value of real estate within 
the city and county subject to taxation, is about 114 millions of 
dollars, and if to this be added the immense value of personal pro¬ 
perty, and compute the amount of revenue produced, at a rate of 
taxation varying from li to 2 per cent., an idea can be formed of 
the enormous amount annually raised and paid by the people for 
the support of government. 

To free our community from these unnecessary separate govern¬ 
ments, and to concentrate all taxing powers in the hands of the 
immediate representatives of the people of each ward, is one of the 
prominent objects of the proposed change. A simple, cheap, strong, 
representative government, like that of the State, would be better 
understood and more certainly promote the public welfare. 

The amount now annually paid to tax collectors in the city of 
Philadelphia alone, is alleged to be more than $67,000; and if to 
this be added the large sum paid in the districts and county, some 
provision seems necessary by which the tax payers, for punctual 
payment, should be allowed to retain the amount now paid to col¬ 
lectors. This would be a gain both to the government and the 
citizen. The present bill, therefore, provides this reform. 

It being the obvious current of popular opinion to elect all officers 
having important public functions to perform, the hill also prescribes 
that the Guardians of the Poor, the Members of the Board of Health, 
the Directors and Comptrollers of Public Schools, the City Commis¬ 
sioners, Supervisors of Highways, the Treasurer, Auditor of Accounts, 
the Receiver of Taxes, the Solicitor, Mayor of the City, and other 
officers, shall be elected by a majority of votes. 

The net debts of the County, of the Guardians of the Poor and of 
several districts, boroughs and townships, after deducting the several 
sinking funds of the said corporations, are to be consolidated into one 
debt, to be called the debt of the City of Philadelphia ; and certificates 
are to be issued to the several owners in lieu of those now held by 
them, at the option of such owners, payable with same rate of interest, 
and at the same time as those now held by them are made payable. 
All the estate, real and personal, of the aforesaid corporations, are 
vested in the city of Philadelphia; provided, however, that all estates 
and incomes now held in trust by either of the said corporations, shall 


17 


f 


< 

be held by the city of Philadelphia for the same uses, trusltefifenta- 
tions and charities, as they are now held by the said corporations 
respectively. 

It is also made the duty of the Councils of said city, to raise by tax 
a sum sufficient to pay the annual interest of such consolidated debt, 
and within thirty years to discharge the principal sum; and the Coun¬ 
cils are restricted in creating future loans without the authoritative 
vote of the people. 

Por the preservation of order and the suppression of crimes and 
misdemeanors, and for the protection of persons and property, the 
Councils are required to organize a police and a fire department, 
either as one body, or to act independently of each other, and are 
clothed with ample powers on the premises. 

The offices and functions of the County Commissioners, Treasurer, 
Auditor, County Board, Police Marshal, Supervisors of Townships, 
and others, cease and determine on the organization of the new city, 
and their respective duties will be performed bv other officers created 
by this act. 

It is also provided that all laws and ordinances in force not incon¬ 
sistent with this act shall continue in force until such law's shall be 
repealed by the Legislature, or such ordinances shall he altered or 
repealed by the Councils, and a mode is directed by which universality 
shall soon be given to the laws and ordinances for the government of 
the city. 

It is not intended to interfere with the last apportionment law, by 
which the election of Senators and Representatives from the City and 
County of Philadelphia to the General Assembly of the Stale is regu¬ 
lated, and therefore a section is introduced in this bill for such elections 
as heretofore. 

Before the next Septennial apportionment is made, it is anticipated 
that the Constitution will be so amended as to provide for elections by 
districts. But with this we have nothing to do, and only refer to it in 
connection with our recommendation that the present apportionment 
may stand as it is. 

While enjoying the blessings of peace and prosperity, the united 
capital and energies of one people can accomplish much more in the 
promotion of science and the arts : in the extension of internal im¬ 
provement, in the establishment of charities and the adornment of the 
city; and, if threatened by the terrors and evils of war, could more 
successfully defend against a sudden invasion, than if the same people 
were separated from each other by distinct municipal governments. 

When the honors too of the city are to be offered to any distin¬ 
guished public benefactor, it does not seem proper to confine the 
gratification to the narrow limits of Vine and Cedar streets. 

The experience of this and all other large cities, American and 
European, bears witness that for preserving public order, the rights of 
persons and property and all that constitutes good government, there 
must be a community of feeling as well as of interest and business 
relations. One people, distracted by diversities of local laws, and the 
rivalries, jealousies, prejudices and animosities engendered thereby, 
cannot abide harmoniously together. Common sense teaches that 
separate municipal districts, independent of each other in all respects, 


« 


18 


\ 



necd3teftne other bond of union than a system of police law. It only 
increares the evil by the establishment of another central power, 
which, not emanating from the people themselves, and in many 
respects foreign to and in collison with* their local laws, it is as 
natural as the unrestrained passions of men that they will resist. 
The despotism of force may for a time subdue the disorder, violence 
and crime, which the weakness and incapacity of so many disjointed 
governments have failed to do; but the only true, reasonable and effi¬ 
cient policy will be to obliterate all sectional and local laws, and make 
for one people one government, in which every citizen, be he evil or 
well disposed, feels he is represented, and therefore concerned in 
executing the laws he heloed to enact. 

By order of the Executive Committee, 

JAMES A. CAMPBELL, Chairman. 

Andrew Miller, Secretary. 


The following gentlemen compose the Committee: 


John Cadwallader, 
Eli K. Price, 

Gideon G. Westcott, 
Charles L. Ingram, 
John M. Read, 

John M. Coleman, 
Henry L. Benner, 
John M. Ogden, 
Francis Tiernan, 
William White, 
George W. Tryon, 
Job R. Tyson, 

John G. Brenner, 


Josiah Randall, 
William L. Hirst, 
Henry M. Watts, 

John H. Dohnert, 

John M. Kennedy, 
Edward A. Penniman, 
Jacob F. Hoeckley, 
Thomas S. Smith, 
Peter Williamson, 
Alexander Cummings, 
Jacob Esher, 
Christopher Fallon, 
Michael Pray. 


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